THE wait for more international netball is almost over, with the 2022 Quad Series announced as nations ramp up preparation for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Expect plenty of fanfare as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa head to England to participate in the Quad Series, with the four rivals set to go head-to-head-to-head subject to travel restrictions. The last edition of the series was held in January 2019 ahead of the Netball World Cup, and this time around will look to promote plenty of interest after a number of years between sips.

The event will play out at London’s Copper Box Arena from January 16-20, setting up a huge international series across the four days. It means the Australian Diamonds will need to be heavily armed, coming up against three nations that have had no shortage of test matches in recent months. While the Diamonds currently hold five of the six Quad Series titles since 2016, there is no doubt that the Silver Ferns, Roses and Spar Proteas will turn up the heat against the rebuilding Aussies.

“I am incredibly excited to see how we transfer what we worked on during the recent performance camp to the international stage,” said Origin Australian Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich. “This is a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves as we lead into an important year with the Commonwealth Games.

“We’re very grateful to have received support from Commonwealth Games Australia to take a full squad of 15 athletes to the Netball Quad Series.

“This will give our athletes exposure to international travel, training and competition ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, as well as the opportunity to adapt to international styles, tactics, and the on and off court environments.” 

New Zealand head coach, Dame Noeline Taurua agrees that the series is an important step in preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

“To be able to open the year with the Quad Series against three other world class teams is going to be hugely beneficial for our squad,” Taurua said.

“With the uncertainty that Covid-19 has continued to bring to the international sporting landscape it’s really important to get as much on court competition as we can as we continue to build towards the Commonwealth Game in Birmingham.”

England Roses head coach, Jess Thirlby, was similarly excited for the event, particularly hosting three other top nations in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games on home soil, as well as furthering the promotion of netball in the UK.

“To welcome the world’s best teams to London and reignite the Netball Quad Series is a great way to start the new year and provides us with much needed competition to test ourselves as we move ever closer to the hugely anticipated Commonwealth Games,” Thirlby explained.

“Despite the challenges we’ve faced navigating the global pandemic over the last two years we have managed to seek opportunities which have seen us take on the world’s best, but overseas. Hosting international sides in front of fans makes this series really special.

“The Vitality Roses are so proud to wear the red dress and represent the wider Netball family and we hope to put out performances that they can be proud of too.

“The depth and breadth in quality across the team is the best I’ve known it in recent years’, and we continue to strive to be better with every performance.”

The Australian touring squad selection is expected in the coming days off the back of squad camp performance in October, while the Silver Ferns will announce squad members following a trials camp in mid-December. Both the England Roses and South Africa Spar Proteas are yet to confirm when their respective squads will be announced.

All matches will be broadcast live and ad-free for Australian viewers via Fox Sports and Kayo, with Sky Sports the broadcast partner for England and New Zealand. Ticketing information is available via the England Netball website.

Netball Quad Series Schedule

January 16
1:00am AEDT – England vs South Africa (2:00pm local, January 15)
3:15am AEDT – Silver Ferns vs Australia (4:15pm)

January 17
1:00am AEDT – Australia vs South Africa (2:00pm local, January 16)
3:15am AEDT – Silver Ferns vs England (4:15pm)

January 19
4:30am AEDT – Silver Ferns vs South Africa (5:30pm local, January 18)
6:30am AEDT – England vs Australia (7:30pm)

January 20
4:30am AEDT – 3rd vs 4th (5:30pm local, January 19)
6:30am AEDT – Final (7:30pm)